The Sacred Flame

Synopsis

Written in the 1920s. World War One hero Maurice Tabret is disabled after a flying accident, tended lovingly by his mother, his beautiful wife Stella, and the devoted Nurse Wayland. When he dies from an overdose during the night, and it is revealed that Stella is in love with Maurice's brother Colin and is expecting a baby, questions begin to be raised as to whether it was murder or suicide.

Our Review:

17 October 2012

Fiery passions erupt in this production, on the surface all stiff upper lip and forced gaiety, focusing on the Tabret family after Maurice’s sudden death. Bedridden for five years following a tragic accident: is he finally at peace - or put out of his misery?

A stark, angular Art Deco living room, opening onto the rear sickbay, with Maurice on view the whole time, occasionally makes for less than credible scenes. The opening may make you yearn to watch paint dry as a game of chess is put into place and props are slowly set up. Discordant music adds to the tension, yet it’s surprisingly humorous in parts despite the first Act ending in bathos, revelation followed by a farcical discussion about lunch. The ending is also somewhat cobbled together, requiring a rapid reversal of opinion and attitude.

But what a stunning cast, with three amazing roles for actresses: Beatriz Romilly, the elegantly attired brittle beauty Stella, Maurice’s wife (though Maug...

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